Preserving History: The Brick Road Along the Bothell Branch
By Curt Cunningham

In 1913, King County set a pioneering example in road construction, leading the state of Washington in the development of paved roads. Among its most innovative projects was a 6.5-mile stretch of the Pacific Highway between Lake Forest Park and Bothell. This road, an experiment in brick paving, marked a significant leap in infrastructure development for the rapidly growing region.

On May 22, 1913, the county awarded J.W. Johnson a contract for paving this section of the highway with vitrified brick at a cost of $84,450. The contract also included a five-year maintenance agreement, a prudent move that highlighted the county’s commitment to long-term road durability. This decision not only reflected the ambition of the era but also laid the groundwork for more enduring roadways in the Pacific Northwest.

The Art of Brick Road Construction

The construction process was meticulous and labor-intensive. Gravel sourced from the Kenmore pit provided the roadbed's foundation, while trainloads of bricks arrived from Renton and were unloaded at a siding near Swamp Creek. Workers knelt for hours at a time to lay each brick by hand, arranging them in a stretcher bond pattern (narrow sides up, offset by half a brick for strength). Once in place, the bricks were sealed with mortar, ensuring a resilient and stable surface.

This process created a road that was both durable and aesthetically appealing. The pavement featured a concrete base at least four inches thick, a two-inch cushion of sand, and a top layer of No. 2 paving bricks. Concrete curbs, integrated with the base, bordered the 20-foot-wide road, providing added strength and definition. By the end of 1914, King County had completed 15.3 miles of brick roads at a cost of $405,517 and was in the process of constructing an additional 5.24 miles for $163,196.

The Changing Role of the Pacific Highway

In the early 20th century, the Pacific Highway was a vital artery, connecting communities and supporting commerce. However, in 1926, the highway was rerouted northward from Seattle along Aurora Avenue toward Everett, bypassing Bothell. This left the original stretch between Seattle and Bothell without an official designation—a situation remedied in 1937 when the Bothell Branch of the Sunset Highway was extended to follow the old Pacific Highway alignment into Seattle.

The Wayne Curve and the Brick Road Park

Today, a small but significant remnant of this historic road remains at Brick Road Park, located on the Wayne Curve about a mile southwest of Bothell. This 400-foot section of brick pavement has been preserved as a tribute to early road-building ingenuity and serves as a tangible connection to the past.

The Wayne Curve, named after the small community that once thrived nearby, invites visitors to step back in time. Here, you can walk along the preserved brick road, imagining the sights and sounds of its heyday. The road’s narrow path and sturdy surface once bore witness to everything from everyday travelers to more dramatic events, such as the infamous Bothell bank robbers speeding away at a thrilling 60 miles per hour.

Across the street from the park, keen observers can also spot the remains of the Wayne Curve Bridge, another relic of this bygone era.

Conclusion

The brick road between Lake Forest Park and Bothell is more than just a historical artifact; it represents a moment in King County’s history when innovation and ambition shaped the region's transportation network. Its preservation at Brick Road Park ensures that future generations can appreciate and reflect on the craftsmanship and determination of those who laid the foundation—brick by brick—for modern roadways.